Holy Day of Obligation Challenge
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As you all know, next week is the Feast of the Assumption, August 15th. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. If you’re not aware, that means, as Catholics, we have made a commitment to obey the Church’s command to attend mass on this day.
Given that it’s obligatory, let’s plan ahead.
Why Care
Holy Days of Obligation are a way we can take back the culture. We’ve written about Using Holy Days of Obligation Strategically in the past (check that out). Long story short, this is a huge lever we can use to tip the culture war in our favor.
It’s a public display of faith. Just like eucharistic processions and public rosaries.
While we never truly know who is affected by these public displays, it’s certain they do make an impact.
As business folks, it’s easy to start thinking, what is the ROI on this. The truth is, in cases like this — we don’t need to consider that. Our Lady and God will take care of the ROI. We just need to do the work.
One co-worker or one customer who sees your dedication to the faith could be inspired to return to The Faith. That one person could go on to become a saint who converts and inspires millions. You never know what the outcome could be. That’s why it’s so important.
With all this said, don’t just listen to me; get creative. If you have other ideas on how to use the upcoming Feast of the Assumption to bring back The Faith, share them with the group!
Let’s Get Tactical
The Employed
For those of you who are employed. Seek time off from your employer. You can pursue it on the grounds of a religious obligation. They might give you a day off without taking from your PTO.
If not, just use some of your vacation time. This allows you to honor Our Lady and spend the day in celebration.
If you are taking the day off, be sure to include something in your out-of-office email that gives, at the bare minimum, a hat tip to our Lady.
Perhaps you really can’t take the full day off — at least get time off enough to attend mass and invite some of your co-workers. I’m sure there are more fallen-away Catholics than you realize.
The Employers
If you run your own business, you’ve got a smattering of options.
You could shut down for the day and put up a poster explaining why. I’d suggest a thoughtful design that doesn't involve a Sharpie and white paper. It would also be a good idea to offer a QR code that links to more information.
Following my favorite example of a coffee shop, you could offer free coffee after the local parish’s mass that day, thus encouraging folks to come. Even if they came only for that reason, they’ll be in the door and God can do the rest.
You can stay open and offer free coffee or at least a heavy discount and explain why. Perhaps the discount is tied to a certain number of hail marys for your business and employees. It’s worth decorating your space to reflect the special occasion.
If you’re not open to trying these things, why not give away special prayer cards with information about the Assumption along with a holy image? You can easily order them or make some on VistaPrint.
Keep in mind that pursuing any of these options or something similar will have a major impact on your employees. Yes, you may affect customers, but employees are up close and can see in more detail what you’re all about.
By demonstrating a willingness to lose money by closing for the day, they are likely to take notice.
If you are closing for the day, be sure to invite them to Mass with you. Also sweeten the deal for them. If they are not already familiar with Mass, maybe have a pizza night after or invite them to your home to play some board games. Exposure to your family can also be a strong witness to people.
Remember, not only are we trying to get people to open up to the idea of The Faith, but also to basic things like having a family. Many people in my generation are not planning to have children. A total shame. Part of it is, they have not seen good examples from big Catholic families.
Find ways to get them exposed to your family dynamic. It can have a huge impact on closing the gap between where they are and The Faith.
Determine Your Objective
Take some time today to figure out your plan of action for next week’s big day.
Write out all the key parts of your plan. Then, start executing. You’ll need to give your team a heads-up. If it’s a good plan, it will require some planning.
Pro Tip for all the dudes: Ask a woman’s opinion about some of this. They often have great insight on how to make an event nice and pay great attention to the fine touches that make all the difference.
(Bonus: share your plan with us in the chat. If you prefer a more private setting, become a paid subscriber to join our WhatsApp chat).
Here is My Plan
I have blocked off the day (Aug 15th).
While I don’t have any employees to invite to Mass, I’m going to see if there are some non-Catholics around me that I can invite.
Given my love of LinkedIn posting, I plan to make a LinkedIn post sharing why I’m off for the day.
On top of that, my OOO will reference why I’m off.
I plan to use the day to connect with some other Catholic folks here in Wausau, people whom I don’t know very well yet.
Beyond this, I aim to pick up a book or read an essay about Marian devotion.
What do you think of this plan?
Let’s hear your plan! 💭
Okay, see ya next time!
Silas Mähner
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